Officer Gary Morgan of the Franklin Police Department was on Georgia Highway 34, performing normal patrol duties, during the afternoon hours on Monday, October 17th 2011, when he observed a Chevrolet S-10, being driven by an individual that was not wearing a safety restraint.

Officer Morgan performed a vehicular stop, near the intersection of Georgia Highway 34 and Mills Street. After making contact with the driver, Officer Morgan requested that the Heard County Dispatch Center, check for active warrants and the drivers license status of the individual. He was informed a short time later that the individual, identified as Tara Lynn Odegaard-Morton, had an expired drivers license status and an active warrant from Peachtree City Police Department.

Upon being requested to exit the vehicle, Officer Morgan and Officer Nikki Chapman, who had arrived at the location, observed a small clear bag fall from Tara Odegaard-Morton as she exited her vehicle. The officers immediately retrieved the item and discovered that it contained crystal methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional small bags with residue inside.

Tara Odgaard-Morton was arrested and transported to the Heard County Jail. The Peachtree City Police Department requested that a hold be placed on her in the event she was eligible for release.